Evaluation of knowledge and experiences about malaria from university students of endemic countries
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Introduction: The aim of
this study was to evaluate the experiences and level of knowledge about malaria
among Ondokuz Mayis University students from endemic countries.
Material and Methods: The data about demographics, basic knowledge of malaria
transmission, treatment, fatality and personal experiences of the foreign
students coming from countries considered to be malaria endemic by the Center
for Disease Control and Protection were gathered by face to face questionnaires.
Results: Of the 750 students from the endemic region, 106
accepted to participate and completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the
participants was 23 (± 3.5) and 77 (72.6%) were male. 13 (12.3%) of students
from endemic regions stated that malaria was not observed in their countries.
48 (45.3%) of the participants had a history of malaria at an average of 2.4 (±
4.5) times during their lifetime. 7 participants had a history of malaria
despite the use of chemoprophylaxis. Forty-seven (43.3%) were familiar with at
least one malaria drug used in prophylaxis. Of them 16% (n = 17) stated that
accessibility to malaria drugs was easy. Of the twenty medical student
participants, 15 had a history of malaria and 70% (n = 14) of them were from
Africa. Medical students responded the transmission
route of infection as; 19/20 mentioned anopheles mosquito bite, 12/20 blood
transfusion, 14/20 transmission from mother-to-infant and 3/20 through organ
transplantation.
Conclusion: These results indicate that students from endemic
areas, including medical students, should increase their knowledge about
malaria.
Kaynakça
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